Book Club Review of Beautiful Creatures

So the book club met this week to discuss Beautiful Creatures.  There were some mixed thoughts about the story. 

When it comes to children's books, I tend to take them for what they are.  I don't pay much attention to the writing as kid's books tend to me more simplistic than adult fiction.  I pay attention to the story telling and whether I find myself engaged in the book.  As far as I was concerned, I thought Beautiful Creatures had a good story behind it and overall I liked the book.  There were moments and times where I questioned why something was said or mentioned, for example the song that seemed to be the underlying melody of the story.  I couldn't figure out it's meaning and hoped that the story would reveal it.  It did not.  In fact, the story was left open for a sequel.

Others questioned the Southern stereotypes in the book and felt the authors went a little over board with that part of the story.  Some questioned the craziness of the town when it came to keeping Lena out of the school.  While the authors do reveal the true meaning behind the judging (there was an actual court-like scene in the book), I do agree it may have been over done.

In the end, we all felt the book could have been condensed.  The story would have been just as successful with fewer pages.

On the docket for next month: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.  Keep watch of my blog to see my progress.